There was an air of joy and jubilation at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Mohlakeng as congregants gathered to welcome home one of their own, Dr Oupaki Sepadi Moruthane, who was recently installed as the Bishop of Johannesburg – a title once held by the late Desmond Tutu.

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Bishop Moruthane, a former parishioner and Parish Minister at St Paul’s Anglican Church, has deep roots in the community. His journey in the ministry saw him serve as a priest at Bekkersdal St Mary’s Anglican Church as well as at the Church of the Resurrection in Soweto Meadowlands.

The celebration took place last Sunday, where he was warmly welcomed through song and dance. The church choir led uplifting choruses while parish members expressed their pride and excitement at seeing a Mohlakeng-born and bred leader rise to such a significant position within the church.

Before entering full-time ministry, Bishop Moruthane also served as a teacher and played an active role in various church structures, including the Youth Club under the late Canon Tim Mncube, whom he credits as his inspiration for pursuing priesthood.

Speaking during the service, Bishop Moruthane shared his joy at reconnecting with his roots. He fondly acknowledged his former schools, Mohlakeng Primary School and the then Phahama Secondary School, as well as his former teachers.

“I am so excited to see my former teachers in attendance, Ernest Monnakgotla and Dr Manyane Diale, on this special day.

I was shaped and moulded by Mohlakeng, which is why I saw it fitting to make my first visit and sermon at St Paul Mohlakeng.

“This is a period of reflection, to start afresh and to be what God wants us to be. All of us have been called by God – we accept the call, but we do not always want to be the sacrifice,” said Bishop Moruthane.

He was officially installed by Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba at St Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg.

Father Kenny Xinwa, the priest at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Mohlakeng, described the occasion as a historic moment for the area and the broader West Rand community.

“It is truly gratifying to witness this milestone in the Rand West and the entire West Rand, to see one of our own rising to such a level in the church.

It is especially meaningful to see a son of the parish emerge from a township like Mohlakeng and achieve this stature,” said Father Xinwa.

The event drew a large congregation, including Rand West City council speaker Selinah Moumakwe, councillor Makgosi Tlhapiso, and Feziwe Tsotetsi, all of whom joined the community in celebrating this proud and inspiring moment.

The occasion not only highlighted Bishop Moruthane’s remarkable journey but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength, faith, and unity within the Mohlakeng community.